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Image © AmazonSony IER-Z1R
69/ 100
Good
HearWiki score
Priced about right
$1,700
typical price, USD
Discontinued
At a glance
- Brand
- Sony
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Fit
- -
- Connection
- Wired
- Noise cancelling
- No
- Released
- 2018
Score breakdowngood overall
Sound9.1
Value7.3
A flagship closed hybrid IEM in Sony's Signature Series, using dynamic and balanced-armature driver technologies for wide-band high-resolution reproduction. It is intended for premium wired personal listening.
The HearWiki takeAI-condensed
The Sony IER-Z1R is a flagship hybrid in-ear monitor that prioritizes a powerful, immersive sound with deep, impactful bass and a wide soundstage. Its tuning is far from neutral, favoring excitement and engagement over reference accuracy, making it a top choice for bass lovers despite some ergonomic and midrange compromises. Build quality and technical performance are exemplary, though the fit can be challenging for some users.
What works
- Deep, powerful bass with excellent impact
- Expansive soundstage and strong imaging
- High-quality build and elegant design
- Clean, detailed treble
- Detachable cable for easy replacement
What doesn't
- Mids can sound recessed or overshadowed
- Fit may be uncomfortable for some ears
- Requires significant burn-in for optimal performance
- Premium price limits accessibility
Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.
Specifications
| Driver | hybrid |
|---|---|
| Driver type | hybrid |
| Impedance | 40 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB/mW |
Audio
| Driver | hybrid |
|---|---|
| Driver type | hybrid |
| Impedance | 40 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB/mW |
Features
| Active noise cancelling | No |
|---|
Design
| Weight | 26.1 g |
|---|---|
| Detachable cable | Yes |
What the reviews said
5 source(s) feeding this product's score.
What YouTube reviewers say
Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.
The consensus
Mixedacross 3 videosReviewers agree the Sony IER-Z1R delivers exceptional, deep bass and impressive treble and imaging, making it a top-tier hybrid IEM for bass enthusiasts.
Reviewers liked
- Deep, impactful bass
- Outstanding treble and imaging
- Premium build quality
Reviewers flagged
- Uncomfortable fit for many users
- Recessed or unbalanced midrange
- Source-picky and requires EQ
17:21Sony IER-Z1R vs Sennheiser IE 900: Which is Better?
The reviewer compares the Sony IER-Z1R and Sennheiser IE 900, finding both to be excellent bass-heavy IEMs with distinct strengths. The IE 900 is praised for its comfort, easy drivability, and smooth, exciting treble, while the Z1R offers deeper, more impactful bass but requires a quality source and EQ to shine. The reviewer concludes that the IE 900 is more versatile and source-friendly, while the Z1R remains a bass legend for those willing to invest in proper pairing.
MixedWatch on YouTube
23:47Sony IER Z1R Flagship Earphone Review
The reviewer considers the Sony IER-Z1R the best earphone in his collection, praising its powerful yet controlled bass, excellent clarity and resolution, and cohesive driver integration. He notes it outperforms the Empire Ears Legend X and finds it superior to the lower-tier M9 in overall sound quality, though he admits the M9 may offer better value for the price.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
10:21Sony IER-Z1R Review - Best IEM for bass
The reviewer considers the Sony IER-Z1R a top-tier hybrid IEM, praising its exceptional bass, treble, and imaging, but notes significant drawbacks including a problematic fit for many ears and a mid-range tuning that is not perfectly balanced. Despite these issues, it is described as the best hybrid IEM the reviewer has heard, though they recommend a demo before purchase.
MixedWatch on YouTube
Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.
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Where it sits in our rankings
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